Futuristic meal replacement concepts entice time-starved consumers
Implications - While much of the conversation seems to focus on the wellness lifestyle obsession, an emerging group of consumers interested merely in absorbing one's required daily nutrients in the most efficient way possible are embracing futuristic meal replacement plans. This progression highlights the ability of modern consumers to construct lifestyles of their own liking, such a freedom includes previously unthinkable concepts such as the choice to save time by avoiding conventional meals, whether or not this results in opting out of such shared experiences as dining.
Workshop Question - Consumers today prioritize health, but prefer products that suit their busy lifestyles. How is your brand answering that call?
Trend Themes
1. Futuristic Meal Replacements - There is an emerging group of consumers interested in absorbing daily nutrients in the most efficient way possible, creating an opportunity for alternative meal replacements such as caffeinated gummy candies and nutritionally complete bars.
2. Convenient Nutritional Supplements - Innovative supplements such as Ample Meal and Labnosh's meal replacement drinks that offer comprehensive and satiating nutrition with natural ingredients are becoming increasingly popular among busy consumers, providing an opportunity for the supplement and health industries to expand their offering.
3. High-protein, Low-sugar Pouch Snacks - Protein-packed, low-sugar pudding pouches from SmashPack that target consumers of all ages looking for a better-for-you snack option, create an opportunity for healthy, convenient food brands that are nutrient-dense and mess-free in packaging.
Industry Implications
1. Wellness and Health - Wellness and health industries can lead the trend of producing futuristic and convenient nutritional products for busy consumers seeking nutrient-dense and time-saving options.
2. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can take advantage of the trend of meal replacements and supplements to create new products that cater to the modern consumer's lifestyle and dietary requirements.
3. Packaging and Design - The packaging and design industry can help health and food companies to innovate in packaging and branding, creating designs that are futuristic, clinical, and pharmaceutical in aesthetic to further convey the notion of superiority in the market.
